Posted by Pro-Law
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Jan 22, 2014 at 12:00 am

Only BART investigates crimes that originate on BART properties. There have been several robberies committed at BART all by the same suspect. That suspect lived at the residence and it can be assumed they were going to collect evidence related to the robberies. Criminals and the evidence they have don't always stay in the same jurisdiction where the crime occurs. Agencies often go to other jurisdiction to complete a case, and agencies don't hand off cases mid investigation. Lastly, BART officers have the same minimum training as any California officer. It's just a tragic accident that unfortunately happens from time to time when humans are involved.

Clearly, mistakes were made in this situation. Let's have confidence that they will serve as lessons for future searches.

They might also highlight the need to reevaluate the threshold for searches. In this case, we might question the value of a laptop, a laptop bag and other items not worthy of mention if the search for them places lives in danger.

Mike wrote: "They might also highlight the need to reevaluate the threshold for searches. In this case, we might question the value of a laptop, a laptop bag and other items not worthy of mention if the search for them places lives in danger."

Doesn't apply in this case. This fellow was an armed robbery suspect. The police had no choice but to conduct a search of his apartment.

The SF Chronicle has a story about the capture of the suspect:
(SF Chronicle story: Web Link )